Delaware has a robust Freedom of Information Act that legally defines what constitutes a public record in the state, the government agency that maintains those records and who has access to them. This public records law covers vital records, government records and information related to government contractors. Below you will find some of the most common Delaware public records questions and answers that include how you can access them.
Are birth records public in Delaware?
Delaware birth records are private for the first 72 years and are only available to the people on the birth certificate, certain relatives and other legally authorized parties. After 72 years, the birth certificates become public records and are available to everyone through the Delaware Public Archives.
How do you order a certified copy of a birth certificate in Delaware?
You can order a certified copy of a Delaware birth certificate through the Division of Public Health – Office of Vital Statistics. Copies of birth records can be ordered in person at various office locations throughout the state. They may also be ordered online through GoCertificates and VitalChek. And finally, they can be ordered by mailing a completed form along with a copy of photo ID to:
Office of Vital Statistics
Jesse S. Cooper Bldg.
417 Federal Street
Dover, DE 19901
Are death records in Delaware public?
Delaware death records become public records 40 years after the date of death. Records for deaths that occurred within the last 40 years are confidential and are only available to family members and their legal representatives.
How do you get a certified copy of a death certificate in Delaware?
Certified copies of Delaware death certificates can be obtained through the state authorized online providers, GoCertificates and VitalChek. Official Delaware death certificates can also be ordered in person or by mail from the state Office of Vital Statistics.
Are Delaware marriage records public information?
Marriage records in Delaware are confidential and are only available to the bride and groom or their immediate family members for the first 50 years after the date of the wedding. Delaware marriage certificates that are more than 50 years old are public records and are available to anyone.
How can you order a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Delaware?
You can order certified copies of Delaware marriage certificates online from GoCertificates and VitalChek. The state of Delaware has partnered with both companies to offer official marriage certificates. Copies of marriage certificates can also be ordered directly from the state Department of Health – Office of Vital Statistics. They can be ordered in person at multiple locations across the state and they can be ordered by mail.
Are Delaware divorce records available to the public?
Delaware divorce records are available to the general public. Certified copies have restrictions are can only be ordered by the individuals named on the decree, their immediate family or their legal representatives.
How do you get a copy of a Delaware divorce or annulment decree?
You can get a certified copy of a Delaware divorce or annulment decree in person or by mail from the records department at the family court in the county where the divorce was granted.
Are adoption records public in Delaware?
Delaware adoption records are strictly confidential and are not available to the general public. This includes all court records related to the adoption as well.
How do you request Delaware adoption records?
Adult adoptees can request their original Delaware birth certificate from the Office of Vital Statistics. The birth parents have to give their consent for the adoption records to be disclosed. In some instances, adult adoptees can be granted access to the medical portions of their adoption records without consent of their birth parents.
Are Delaware court records public?
Court records in Delaware are considered public records and are accessible by everyone. There are a few exceptions such as records that contain trade secrets and adoption records.
Are Delaware criminal records public?
Delaware criminal records are public as required by the state’s Freedom of Information Act.
Where can you find criminal records in Delaware?
You can find Delaware criminal records at the Judicial Case Database provided by the State of Delaware Courts. This online database allows you to search for criminal court records by name, company name or case type. You can also search for judgements against individuals or businesses as well as case information and activities.
Where can you find Delaware property and land records?
You can find Delaware property and land records at the Recorder of Deeds for the county the property is located in. Each Recorder of Deeds office provides an online search that lets you search recorded land documents by name, date and document type. There is a small fee associated with each of these searches. You can also order copies of land documents and deeds through the Recorder of Deeds.
Where can you order your driver history record in Delaware?
You can order a copy of your Delaware driving record in person at any Division of Motor Vehicles location in the state. You can also order a copy online through a Delaware MyDMV account or by mailing a notarized request form to:
Division of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Driver License Administration
P.O. Box 698
Dover, DE 19903